We're thrilled to welcome you back to in-person events! See photos from last week's Mixer here.

Canadians aren't letting pain at the pump or higher grocery bills get them down.

According to the latest report from the Conference Board of Canada, consumer confidence is up 2.2% in March from the month before. The conference board found that Canadians were buoyed by the strong labour market recovery with 26.8% optimistic that job opportunities will increase by the fall. That's up 4% from February. However, more Canadians expressed reservations about their current (up 4% to 29.2%) and future finances (up 5.1% to 25.6%).

One of BC's often overlooked economic sectors is getting a closer look. The province has contracted a Labour Market Study of the non-profit sector, which includes about 29,000 organizations employing 86,000 people and generating $6.7 billion in economic activity.

In the early months of the pandemic, the Victoria Foundation was part of a group of organizations that worked together to report on how non-profits were faring. They found that organizations focused on helping arts and culture and sports and recreation had reduced revenue, while those in the health and social services sectors were in high demand.

The 20-month study is being conducted by Vantage Point at a cost of $290,000.

Safe communities are a fundamental requirement for businesses to operate, and The Chamber applauds news that Greater Victoria is getting 100 complex care spaces. Housing is the foundation for helping people experiencing homelessness, but many also require support with mental health and addictions. Complex care is a good step toward reducing pressure on healthcare and policing, and making our communities safer.

"The pandemic has shown us that mental health challenges affect all of us, including people who haven't had access to the support they need," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "We've been clear from the start that solutions such as complex care are needed to help people successfully escape the cycle of homelessness and addiction. We're grateful for this investment in our community, and look forward to working with our partners to get to the root of this complex and challenging issue."

An increase in property crime and reports of violence throughout the pandemic are tied to the larger issues of housing and mental illness. "The first step in stabilizing a person who is self medicating, living with an addiction and without shelter is to provide stable housing and specific supports for their challenges," Williams said.

The return of international visitors is good news for our region's tourism sector.

The recent announcement by Kenmore Air that regularly scheduled flights between Seattle and Victoria will return on April 1 is a great step forward. The Seattle area is a major source of visitors to Victoria and we know businesses here can't wait to welcome them back. Adding flights creates more options for travellers, including the previously announced return of the Victoria Clipper on April 15, and the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority's start of a new cruise ship season on April 6.

To help spread the word, Destination BC has launched a new $6.7 million marketing campaign aimed at international visitors. The campaign, called Discover the BC Effect, aims to "drive emotional urgency" that will encourage people in Washington, California, Britain and Australia to travel to our province. The effort will complement Destination Greater Victoria's ongoing $2.2 million campaign.

To continue to safeguard the health of our community we require all in-person event attendees to be fully vaccinated. Mask wearing is to each individuals' discretion. You can review our COVID-19 safety protocols here.

Hear from BC Ferries on their plans to evolve our coast ferry system. One of the world's largest marine passenger systems, BC Ferries is an economic driver of our province. For 60 years, BC Ferries has been dedicated to providing safe and efficient travel to their customers. Their role as a ferry transportation provider goes beyond getting passengers from point A to B. With 25 routes throughout the west coast of BC, they serve as advocates for the coastal environment and communities where they operate.

The healthcare provided for us in our hospitals is not solely funded by government. Many of us, maybe you too, provide much needed support to enhance our treatment.

We hear more in this Chamber Chat with Victoria Hospitals Foundation Executive Director Avery Brohman.

The Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan is now offering prescription medication delivery for all Chambers Plan members through PocketPills.

PocketPills is a proudly Canadian online pharmacy and technology company that provides free home delivery for prescription medications — often by the next business day. They also offer direct access to their team of pharmacists by text, live chat, phone or email. And their app allows individuals to manage not only their own prescription needs, but also those of family members.

Plan members are also eligible for an extra 10% drug co-insurance coverage on prescription drugs filled through PocketPills. Get more coverage for the same cost to you and your employees.

Looking for more information on how to use this new benefit? For more than 17 years, RDF Group Ltd has helped Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce members design a Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance plan reflecting the size and requirements of their businesses. For more information, contact Ryan at RDF Group

Members can post Coupons and Discounts free of charge here.